What you need to know about certification
NYSUT updates information bulletins
New York state teacher certification regulations have changed a number of times over the years, but did you know that you are held to the requirements in place at the time you were certified in a particular teaching title? As a result, you could be teaching next door to another teacher in the same title area but need to meet very different criteria to obtain your final credential.
While it's your personal responsibility to maintain your certification, NYSUT has posted a series of updated information bulletins on its Web site to help teachers and teaching assistants through the confusing maze of certification requirements. As always, NYSUT members are strongly urged to maintain a personal certification file, including paper copies of all transcripts, certificates and communications.
NYSUT's certification page is located at www.nysut.org under "pre-K-12 educators/credentials." The page includes updated certification bulletins produced by NYSUT Research and Educational Services, as well as links to the New York State Education Department's online certification application and database system referred to as TEACH.
The TEACH system is a secure online resource accessible to all New York state certified personnel and applicants. All that is required is that you log on to the TEACH online system and establish your password protected account. TEACH allows users to review their certification records currently on file with the Office of Teaching Initiatives. Registered users should review this information for accuracy and edit certain records, as appropriate. Accurate account information will make the application process quicker and easier. Keep in mind records for applicants prior to March 14, 2006, can be incomplete and members may need to resubmit transcripts or other documents.
The NYSUT site also includes links to the OTI and the TEACH HELP line for members having trouble with the online service. A CD with updated information on certification will be distributed at the union's Representative Assembly next month.